Sustaining Creativity During Tough Times
Recently, I read an article over at Creativity Portal that really hit home with me.
In the less-than-desirable economic times we find ourselves in, there’s a lot of heartbreak and sorrow. Just about everyone has been affected — some more than others — faced with difficult circumstances and trying decisions.
My husband and I haven’t been immune to this wave of difficulty. In September, he was laid off from his job. With Mississippi unfortunately boasting the 3rd highest unemployment rate in the country, we had some decisions to make. First and foremost, I would search for a full-time job and leave my freelance work to an “extracurricular” activity. Second, we knew there wasn’t much opportunity where we were living at the time.
So, to cut this long drama to its somewhat shorter version….here we are in Nashville. Most of our belongings are spread between our parents houses back home and we are living out of extended stay hotel, searching for jobs. Thank the good Lord, Josh starts a new job in February, but things are harder than they’ve ever been — financially, emotionally and especially CREATIVELY.
I never imagined it would be this hard for me to get a job. I have a masters degree and some invaluable experience. It’s easy to get down on myself and when that happens almost every ounce of creativity seems to drain right out of my soul.
BUT,
I am working on that one. Helen Read’s article is a great reminder for me - and anyone else who’s struggling with difficult times.
AND,
Even in the InTown Suites there is inspiration and creativity to be found. Here’s a few things I’ve been doing to keep my creative spirit alive and as well as I can hope for at this point.
Mandala Coloring
The mandala is ancient religious symbol, usually a complex circular design, found across many different cultures. Coloring the various patterns is a soothing form of meditation.
Stress relief and inspiring art all in one. Perfect when you’re living in a hotel!
Playing Around in Photoshop and Illustrator
There are so many great tutorials and tips for both Adobe Creative Suite products. Since I do have my computer, it’s a great way to pass some time creatively.
Here’s some Illustrator and Photoshop links to keep you busy for months.
Reading
There is nothing in this world like curling up and losing yourself in a good book. Inspiration abound.
Leo at Zen Habits has a great post about the love of reading today.
Best of luck in all your creative endeavors!
Blog Action Day: I Wish You Enough
No matter how many times it happens in my life, it never ceases to amaze me. God, my Higher Power, the universe — or whatever name you give it — always finds a way to snap me out of my narcissistic coma. Whenever my self-importance starts to become a little too important, inevitably, I get my reminder.
This round’s reminder: Blog Action Day.
Recently…Not Even Close to ‘Unobstructed’
So, okay, the last few weeks have not been easy ones. My husband and I have been faced with some hurdles that require significant leaps of faith in order to get over them. Really, the only bright spot has been that, in our new marriage, we have each other to lean on.
All this “upheaval” has truly gotten me out of sorts. I’ve quit blogging all together, but, even worse, I’ve quit any of my personal writing all together as well. The only kind of writing I’ve accomplished in these last few weeks is freelance assignments — and that’s only because they produce income. Even then, it took entirely too much effort to get those articles written and submitted.
So, what have I been doing instead? Not much of anything except wallowing in self-pity. It has been pretty pathetic actually.
This morning, after I finally pulled myself out of bed, made way downstairs and fired up my Mac, there was a kick in the ass waiting for me. As soon as I moved my mouse, and my word clock screen saver disappeared there it was…an iCal alert. Not one of my weekly or monthly reminders, though.
“Write a post for Blog Action Day.”
More Than Enough And No More Excuses
When I am hungry, I eat. When I’m thirsty, I head to the refrigerator. When I am tired, I make my way to a comfortable bed. I have a roof over my head and car in my driveway. I have a husband who would give me the world if it was his to offer. I have a dog, and a cat and a closet full of outfits for every kind of occasion.
I sometimes forget just how rich I really am.
“No one should be able to say, ‘I don’t have a reason to talk about poverty.’”
I made my pledge at blogactionday.org weeks and weeks ago. In just its second year, the blog topic for the this year’s big day is poverty. The idea is to encourage bloggers everywhere to post about the same issue on the same day. It’s an incredible way to shine a big spotlight on a topic that really deserves to bask in the likes of Shea Stadium lighting.
The tricky thing about poverty is that it’s a lot more than just being hungry or homeless. There are so many dimensions — many of those dimensions being things we too often take for granted……While most of us celebrated the new millennium in style, thankful that Y2k bug decided not to bug us, almost one billion people came into the twenty-first century unable read or write, or even sign their own name. [source]
I have no excuse, no reason for not writing. A few strokes of crappy luck, a couple of raw deals here and there and a self-absorbed attitude don’t justify any of it. I live in the land of opportunity. But more importantly, I have the means to take advantage of all that opportunity. I have enough of what I need, and more than enough of what I need to make my dreams and aspirations a reality.
The written word is a powerful, inspiring, compelling, beautiful thing. And, it’s what I do for a living, revel in on a personal level and now, thanks to that iCal reminder, give to others who so desperately need it. Opportunities are everywhere, and I cannot wait to delve deeper for ways I can help.
We All Deserve ‘Enough’
In writing this post, I have had this one, simple, six-line verse in the forefront of all my thoughts and musings. I feel like it could be a good mantra for the Blog Action Day organization and all they strive to do. Life isn’t perfect, and isn’t always pretty either. Instead of letting the ugly moments leave you with an ugly attitude, put them to use in recognizing all the beauty in your life — and in sharing that beauty with other lives that need it.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Good-bye.”
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
By: Bob Perks
4 and a Half Decades of Leadership → 4 Lessons From Sen. Ted Kennedy’s Legacy
{1} Sticking to Your Principles and Beliefs Is Important. Constant Evaluation of Your Beliefs and Consideration for Others’ Is Even More Important.
He may not have invented the word compromise, but Sen. Edward M, Kennedy certainly perfected it. Reaching across party lines to work WITH Republicans, he has helped create some of the most significant legislation this nation has seen in the last half century. Despite regular criticism from his own party, Kennedy learned long ago that compromising on the issues doesn’t have to mean compromising yourself.
{2} Tragedy Does Not Mean “Defeated.”
The number of Sen. Kennedy’s triumphs is numerous, and sadly his tragedies number just as many — the shocking deaths of two brothers, a car wreck that included a dead female staff member and a LOT of controversy, a failed attempt at the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nomination and many more character building trials. And, all had to be faced in the public eye.
For a family America subconsciously associates with tragedy, Edward M. Kennedy has been the face of strength, the patriarch who carried his family through their most trying times. Even as the one with a malignant brain tumor this time around, he seems to be taking on that very same role - rallying the troops through another one of life’s hard lessons.
{3} Nurturing Your Relationships - Family, Friends, Colleagues - Is the Most Important, and Most Honorable Investment You Can Make in This Life.
One thing in particular has stood out while watching all the media coverage on Sen Kennedy in the last 24 hours: the genuine respect, honor and affection that Sen. Kennedy’s colleagues have for him.
My thoughts, and my humble prayers are with Senator Kennedy, my dear friend Ted, with his wife Vicki, and with the members of the Kennedy family. I hope and pray that an all-caring, omnipotent God will watch over Ted, and keep Ted here for us and for America. Ted, I love you, and I miss you.
He’s not just the patriarch of the Kennedy family. He’s the patriarch of our family.
He has the time, the patience, and the talent to argue his case, and sometimes not so quietly. You can have a very vigorous exchange, and two minutes later he’ll be slapping you on the back.
…it’s our job now to support him in the way that he has supported us for so many years. He’s not just a great senator, he is a great friend. He is beloved by me, and beloved by my colleagues.
{4} You Don’t Have to Be Top Dog to Make an Impact and Initiate Positive Change.
Sen. Kennedy’s failure to secure his spot as the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nominee was a personal loss, but one of the greatest gains the citizens of this country have received. I guarantee Kennedy’s hand played a significant role in at least one, if not many, pieces of legislation that you depend on.
Just to name a few…
- Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA
- Fair Housing Act Amendments (FHSAA)
- National Military Child Care Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Family Opportunity Act
The World According to Buddy: The 4 Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned From My Dog
I’m not sure where I’d be today without this little man to snuggle with me on some rough days.
{1} Take Naps.
Buddy’s got this one down. Research has shown that a short nap during the day can help improve our memory, our health and our capacity for learning.
{2} Wag Your Tail When You’re Happy.
A James Nietzsche quote comes to mind here: “And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.”
Dance around, be silly. Do it when you’re not happy too. I promise a little jig does wonders for a bad attitude.
{3} Be Loyal to a Fault.
We get so wrapped up in our busy lives, sometimes it becomes too easy to overlook the important people in our lives. Make sure these special people know just how special they are.
Tell them you’ll be waiting right by the door the second they need your support after a long, hard day.
{4} Sit outside and Soak Up the
Beautiful Day Around You.
Fresh air, sunshine and the slightest hint of a breeze. Sitting quietly in thought surrounded by this scene can do wonders for your creativity.
If you want, tilt your head back and close your eyes for the best effect - that’s how Buddy does it anyway.
And, if you have to be inside, at least take the time to enjoy the day from an open window…..
